Brookfield Zoo Chicago has announced the sudden death of a four-day-old bottlenose dolphin.
A dolphin named Allie gave birth early Saturday morning, according to zoo officials.
The calf was the first bottlenose dolphin born at the zoo in ten years.
According to the zoo, the male calf appeared healthy until it died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening.
“While the calf was doing well, dolphin neonates face significant biological challenges. Dr. Rita Stacey, senior vice president of programs and impact at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, said, “We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing.”
On Wednesday evening, animal care teams noticed a sudden and unexpected change in the calf’s behavior. Within minutes, the calf became unresponsive and passed away.
According to zoo veterinarians, the newborn bottlenose dolphin weighed approximately 35 pounds and measured nearly 4 feet in length.
The zoo is awaiting animal autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
